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Itharus
Itharus
Join Date 03/2008
+6

Z-Axis back in 1.096?

Yay!

October 12, 2008 3:07:49 AM from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

I've noticed that in 1.096, you can once again map the Z-Axis control to a button and move your ships around in 3D... Huzzah!!!!!

I don't know if this is intended, or a mistake, but damn... I missed the hell out of the Z-Axis. I'm glad it's back, it makes things way more fun/interesting! I came to notice it because the AI (on Hard) phased into my system... and proceded to fly past my forces swiftly by going above them, and then dropping down near my planet... something I've never seen the AI do before (and something I hope is the beautiful start to the AI using more 3D maneuovers!).

Bug, tactic, whatever... I was happy to see it. Three seconds later I looked in the Options pane and found (much to my joy) that I could once again map the Z-Axis. I thenceforth proceded to execute many envelopement manouevers, entrapping my enemies within globes of destruction... and then crushing them ruthlessly. Whee!

Until today I've never seen the AI actually use the Z axis (with any coordination, atleast - it's always just been a random move because it was chasing something of mine that was using the Z-Axis), so... nice. Was that something you guys added in this patch? I was kicking myself in the rear for not having any snare abilities researched when they zipped over my head, grrr. Although, luckily, I did manage to snare their Radiance Battleship with a Gravity Warhead before it could get past my fleet.  Unfortunately it did manage to escape later on during the battle... (damn AM drains), but still, it could have been much worse if I hadn't managed to snag it at all!

Was Z-Axis mappable/useable in 1.095? I never checked during that part... I really hope this isn't just an oversight or a bug... The ability to use the Z-Axis in the game really makes SoaSE so much more than it already is! Maneuovering actually becomes useful. And it makes the snare/speed boost abilities that much more potent, and it adds another layer of skill to the game. It makes the game so much less... static. I really hope it's something that sticks around.

I was bummed out when it was removed in an earlier build.

Peace,

-Itharus

PS: Space-Whale planet dance is priceless.

PSS: Vasari ftw, that is all.

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Itharus
Mazuo
Join Date 07/2007
+17
Reply #1 October 12, 2008 4:15:32 AM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

While I'm not sure I'll use the Z-axis maneuvers very effectively for a while, if the AI is actually using it to bombard planets and avoid defenses, that's just awesome.

I'll have to try a game later and see if they do that to me.  Hope it turns out to be true and not some strange fluke.

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Itharus
Itharus
Join Date 03/2008
+6
Reply #2 October 12, 2008 2:29:00 PM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

If it was a fluke, it was a beautiful fluke!

I hope it's not a fluke, though.

Anyone else encountering the AI using the Z-Axis yet?

-Itharus

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Itharus
Destraex
Join Date 10/2007
+6
Reply #3 October 12, 2008 4:14:28 PM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

I am actually hoping that the new mini addon for planet defence allows you to defend planets in the Z axis

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Itharus
spaceman63
Join Date 02/2008
+2
Reply #4 October 12, 2008 5:51:58 PM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

That is a battle tactic that I very much would like to use.

You said that it is in the option panel Itharus?

How do you get this option and activate it ? what button do I use?   

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Itharus
Itharus
Join Date 03/2008
+6
Reply #5 October 12, 2008 11:45:03 PM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

First, you need to map the command to a key, personally, I map it as "~" (tilde).

1.) Click the "move" button or press it's hotkey (I think the default is "D").

2.) Position your cursor to where you want the ship to move.

3.) Tap the Z-Axis hotkey.

4.) Adjust the Z-Axis position of the cursor via the mouse (moving forward/backward to go up/down).

5.) Click to complete the move order.

6.) Profit.

You can set waypoints in 3D space while using this option - very handy. Oh, and the enemy fleet will be able to get out of any envelopements you pull off - but - it will scatter them (as well as whichever ships of yours are in their way) when they do it. It's alright though, it takes time for them to get out (which you can extend by noting which targets they are Focus Firing upon and setting said targets to orbit their formation via waypoints - hence making them turn to fire), and during that time, hopefully they will have super-charged AoE missiles exploding amidst them from all angles while they are manoeuvering around in a nicely packed cluster. Highly effective vs the AI... not so sure about PvP, it would almost totally depend upon the enemy's micro-skills.

Probably also not so hot a move to attempt against Guardians.  

-Itharus

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Itharus
HouseRalan
Join Date 03/2008
+61
Reply #6 October 27, 2008 10:18:33 PM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

wow, something from StarTrek Armada 2 is coming to SINS.  I won't have to keep playing STA2 for z-axis combat and good MP options.

 I am Dyslexic of Brog.  Your ass will be laminated.

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Itharus
DarkCloud
Join Date 02/2008
+8
Reply #7 October 28, 2008 6:30:34 PM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

I wish there were a way to choose where you come out of phase space.

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Itharus
DarkCloud
Join Date 02/2008
+8
Reply #8 October 29, 2008 4:58:47 PM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

Any word on if this intentional or accidental?

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Itharus
Blair Fraser
Join Date 10/2006
+292 moderator
Reply #9 October 29, 2008 6:09:06 PM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

It's based on where you jumped from. If you jump from the left side of the well, you will arrive on the left side etc.

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Itharus
Itharus
Join Date 03/2008
+6
Reply #10 October 30, 2008 8:20:28 PM
from Sins of a Solar Empire ForumsSins of a Solar Empire Forums

Quoting SemazRalan,
reply 6


 I am Dyslexic of Brog.  Your ass will be laminated.

 

I LOL'd IRL.

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